Yesterday, we spent time (as a family) sharing our hopes and dreams for the New Year...what we'd like to see happen...and shared a few goals. As we shared, I kept thinking about James 4:13-16, "Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (NIV)
As we embark on a new year, I am filled with EXPECTATION. I sense 2012 will be a year of FULFILLMENT! I sense a lightness to my spirit. And, I can't wait to see what God does in this New Year. BUT...I also sense a calling to deeper intimacy with Him, a call to greater surrender, and a need to abandon all my plans in an exchange for HIS.
My goal for the New Year is to daily ask God:
- What do you desire from me today?
- What are Your plans?
- Where would You like me to go?
- What would You like for me to do?
- Who would You like me to minister to?
- How can I serve You most effectively (in my marriage, in my parenting, in my job, in my family, in my friendships)?
Friend, turbulent waters, vast storms, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles are NO match for our GOD! And...I am NOT called to be SUCCESSFUL, I am called to live SURRENDERED.
How about you? What is the Lord whispering to you in this NEW YEAR? I'd love to hear what He's whispered to your spirit. So, take a few moments to invite GOD to speak and provide you with direction for this New Year...Allow Him the opportunity to renew your strength and remind you...YOUR STORY ISN'T FINISHED YET! (And then share your comments below!)
yes Julie, my story isn't really finished yet, I thank god for you, ive been into a lot of situations,- indescribable, insurmountable ones that often caught myself discouraged and frustrated. God grace still prevails.. He's always there,,, Now, I've known the purpose he's wanting me to do this year. to trust his faithfulness, listen to what He's going to say and carry out His will. so broad and this calls to deeper relationship with him
ReplyDeleteits not about being a famous person and the lime light ,,,for Jesus its all about humbling yourself about helping the least and i mean the least smallest person in deep pain that person could be sitting next to you and she is too ashamed to share how abuse she really is. Because so many people have such plans for themselves in Gods that they miss whats in front of them.( no sometimes its not the homeless, or the suffering people who have lost everything , its the people right in front of us that need to feel Gods love don't look any futher but be sensitive to the Holy spirit and he will show you the suffering, the rejected , they are all around us , If I ever get out of these Pit I am in I will remember to show my love to the broken hearted b/c they are everywhere ....Yes going deeper means you will hurt you will feel the persons pain at night when you go to bed there are some many lonely people. ( coming form a broken place . May these new year bring hope to the one who can no longer hope b/c they have grown tried.
ReplyDeleteThank you anonymous one for testimony. I pray God richly blesses you in this new year and empowers you to fulfill His will! May your relationship deepen with Him and may you hear His voice gently leading you through every decision. HE IS FAITHFUL!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 2, I couldn't agree more. Hurting people are everywhere. Sometimes they are the ones who try to appear as if they have it all together. May God grant us His wisdom, and fill us with His love in this New Year. May we never shy away from doing what is right and may He empower us to love as He has loved us! I also pray He restores your strength, and turns all of your ashes to beauty...as ONLY HE CAN!